Oldjohnw wrote:
Oh yeah! 70 years old, 10.00pm, winter, narrow country lanes. Hills. Wind, rain, sleet. Get home by 1.00 am next morning. I'll have passed on within a month.
It isn't practical, no I agree. I think this thread has to remain in the realm of the "What if" and "Why". Families, work, leisure and society are now atomised, more so for some, less for others. This is almost entirely due to the availability of motor transport - I'm not sure if the railways, bus services and bicycles have had quite the same effect. To suddenly remove this component from our lives is unrealistic: it might happen involuntarily, for example in severe winter conditions, an oil crisis or the car being in for a service but that's so far been a temporary situation that we endure for a short time only. The most likely scenario for the car being removed is old age or illness.
But what I would say is:
1. Society has to come to terms with this - we are relying on a climate-changing fossil fuel and electric cars aren't the complete answer. But that is something government must deal with (road building is on the up at the moment).
2. We could individually change our lives to get rid of the car but I see that more in terms of families living closer together for example than the bicycle being able to cover the distances and carry the loads involved.
3. For some people, it is actually possible, and I would say for all people, undoubtedy life-affirming to get rid of the car. Ideally, we would just use it less but that's quite hard to stick to. I don't want us to lose sight of the idea that even just owning a car, never mind using it, is an invasion into our peace of mind and the way we think and feel about life. If you don't believe me, have a look at the huge and aggressive cars parked in your communal spaces near you now and ask what they are all about. We don't know what we give and give up to the car because it is part of our normality. Walk (or cycle) away from it and there will be a new poetry in your mind. Hats off to the OP.